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About this project

Xi3 is on a mission to change the way computers are built, serviced and upgraded by eliminating the built-in obsolescence of today’s personal computers.

One of the biggest problems with desktop computers is that they have to be replaced every few years. They’re also expensive to operate, have roughly the same specs, look like each other, etc., etc., etc. In other words, they’re expensive, boring, and extremely unfriendly to the planet. Not so with the award-winning Xi3 Modular Computer.

Replace Boring PCs with Xi3 Modular Computers

Unveiled by Xi3 Corporation at the 2011 International CES trade show, the existing Xi3 Modular Computer is unlike any other x86-based desktop on the planet. Roughly the size of a grapefruit (4.27x3.65x3.65-inches), the cube-like Xi3 Modular Computer uses a patented tri-board architecture to replace the standard computer motherboard, a strategy that enables easy repairs, modifications and/or upgrades. Future introductions of I/O Boards that feature new components/connectors are expected to allow Xi3 Modular Computers to enjoy useful lives of 6—10 years instead of the standard 3—5 years of traditional PCs.

The initial model of the Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342) is powered by a Dual-Core 64-bit, x86-based processor running at 1.8GHz, with 2GB of RAM, 16GB-1TB of solid-state storage, dual monitor support, 6 USB 2.0 ports and 2 eSATAp ports. And it's tough enough to withstand almost anything.

Additionally, the initial Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342 model) is one of the most “green” and ecofriendly 64-bit computers in production today as it requires a mere 20 Watts to operate versus the average of 100-300 Watts or more to run a comparable computer. Depending upon local electricity rates and the wattage used by existing computers, the electricity savings alone can pay for the cost of buying new Xi3 Modular Computers.

The X5A-5342 Xi3 Modular Computer won an Innovations Award in the Computer Hardware category for the 2011 International CES trade show. Xi3 also received three XChange XCellence awards at the NexTI 2011 conference (based upon the votes of attending solution providers), namely• Breakthrough Technology Vendor,• Best Newcomer, and• Best Quick Fire Vendor Presentation.Xi3 was also awarded 2012 Best of State Medals in both the Production & Manufacturing division (Electro/Mechanical category) and in the Science & Technology division (Hardware/Firmware category).

Dramatically reduce projected energy use and eWaste with Xi3

The X5A-5342 model Xi3 Modular Computer uses as little as five percent of the amount of raw materials of most desktop computers today. Couple that with 1/10th to 1/20th of the power needed to operate an Xi3 Modular Computer, as well as a useful life of up to 10 years, and you have a game-changing recipe of planet-loving sweetness.

Two New Xi3 Modular Computers? That's our Plan!

We're now ready to develop two new Xi3 Modular Computers: • The X7A Xi3 Modular Computer, a power user and gaming level machine; and• The X3A Xi3 Modular Computer, an entry-level machine priced from under $500.

The X7A Modular Computer from Xi3

As we envision our new X7A Modular Computer, we see it powered by a new Quad-Core 64-bit, x86-based processor running at up to 3.2GHz, integrated with up to 384 graphics shader cores, and 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and able to handle graphics-rich computer games like Crysis 2 with ease. The X7A Modular Computer will also run 3 high-definition monitors simultaneously, has four USB 3.0/2.0 ports, four eSATAp ports, four USB 2.0 ports, a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, and up to 1TB of super fast solid-state storage inside the chassis, making it perfect for gamers and power users alike. And yet the X7A Modular Computer will be housed in a chassis about the size of a softball (4.27x3.65x3.65-inches) and run on a mere 40Watts of electricity or less.

We expect the X7A Modular Computer to begin shipping in early 2013 with a price starting at under $1,000. All within a chassis you can hold in the palm of your hand!

The X3A Modular Computer from Xi3

Conversely, we believe our X3A Modular Computer will be the ideal entry-level machine. Powered by a Dual-Core 64-bit, x86-based 1.65GHz chip and 4GB of DDR3 RAM, the X3A Modular Computer is designed for most home and office applications. The X3A Modular Computer will come standard with 32GB of solid-state storage (upgradeable to 1TB), can support two high-definition displays simultaneously, and will have two USB 3.0/2.0 ports, four eSATAp ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port.

Housed in a cube-like chassis roughly the size of a grapefruit (4.27x3.56x3.656-inches) and needing an energy-friendly 18 Watts of power to run, Xi3’s X3A Modular Computer is slated to begin shipping in early 2013 at prices starting at under $500.

Join the Xi3 Revolution—Get the Scoop & Special Deals Too

In addition to these 2 new Xi3 Modular Computers, Xi3 is developing a wide variety of new products and technologies, all designed to add to the emerging ecosystem of building-block-like products and systems that Xi3 is becoming known for.

Not surprisingly, interest in Xi3 remains high, with many customers and technology enthusiasts asking if it’s possible to get a sneak peek at future products or perhaps obtain units before General Availability? The short answer is an emphatic “Yes.”

All backers of this Kickstarter Project will become members of Team Xi3 and will receive special updates from Xi3 about new and upcoming products, technologies and progress on the path to changing the computing world forever.

Additionally, backers at select Pledge Levels will not only help us bring our new X3A and X7A Modular Computers to market, but they will also receive their own brand new Xi3 Modular Computer as much as 2 weeks before General Availability. These Team Xi3 backers will also be able to pre-order future Xi3 products for advance delivery as well.

And for anyone in the Kickstarter Community interested in collectibles, we’ll also be offering special Xi3 Modular Computers housed in a gold- or silver-coated computer chassis.

Thank you for your interest in and support of Xi3. We look forward to the prospect of seeing you join the Xi3 Revolution and becoming part of Team Xi3.

Sincerely,

Xi3 Corporation

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FAQ

Question: How long has Xi3 Corporation been in business?

Answer: Xi3 was incorporated in 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of ISYS Technologies, Inc., which was itself formed in 2002.

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Question: When did the company begin shipping its Xi3 Modular Computer?

Answer: The Xi3 Modular Computer was unveiled in January 2011 at the International CES trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada and began shipping in the Fall of 2011.

Answer: We made a conscious decision to delay introducing the Xi3 Modular Computer and the underlying Xi3 Computer Architecture until we had Intellectual Property protections in place to protect our shareholders, partners and customers. We now have a combination of issued and pending patents around the world. Additionally, we have numerous trademark, copyright and service mark protections in place as well, including protections for the shape of the Xi3 Modular Computer chassis.

Answer: Once you have an upgrade IO Board or a new SSD board (solid-state drive), upgrading your Xi3 Modular Computer is quite easy. It’s a six-step process that most people can complete in about five minutes.

* * * * *

Question: When will Xi3 have its first upgrade I/O Board available for purchase?

Answer: We plan to have an upgrade Primary I/O Board (PIO) for the Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342 model) ready for purchase before the end of 2012.

* * * * *

Question: What will be different about this new PIO Board?

Answer: Among other things, the new PIO Board will contain 2 additional Ethernet ports (10/100/1000), as well as 4 USB 3.0 ports.

* * * * *

Question: What will this new PIO Board cost?

Answer: We will announce pricing for this PIO Board when it’s available for purchase.

* * * * *

Question: Are there other ways to upgrade or modify Xi3 Modular Computers?

Answer: Yes. All Xi3 Modular Computers support internal solid-state hard drives (SSDs). The SSD that came with your Xi3 Modular Computer can be updated/upgraded with a larger or smaller capacity SSD. Naturally, Operating Systems and software programs can also be upgraded, updated or modified. And it’s also possible to get a new color chassis for your Xi3 Modular Computer, with eight standard colors offered today and custom colors also available.

* * * * *

Question: Can I invest in Xi3 or its parent company?

Answer: Both Xi3 and ISYS are privately held companies and shares in either company are not available for purchase by the public.

Risks and challenges

Shipments of the very first Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342 model) began in the second half of 2011 and continue today. In this regard, we have already proven that we have:
* Re-imagined a traditional computer motherboard as three separate yet interconnected smaller boards,
* Created one of the most environmentally friendly 64-bit, x86-based computers on the planet, (a machine that runs popular applications and operating systems with ease),
* A computer being used today by national and local government agencies and branches, educational institutions, large corporations, small enterprises, and consumers alike, and
* Have done so with a chassis with less than 40-cubic inches of internal space.
And Xi3 Corporation is growing today.

However, just because we created and began selling our very first Xi3 Modular Computer, there are no guarantees that we will be able to do it again. In theory, given that this will be our "second time around," we believe the design, creation and manufacturing processes will be fairly straightforward.

Nevertheless, we are contemplating 2 brand new Xi3 Modular Computers, and each will be driven by a different processor than the one used in the X5A-5342. Additionally, we also anticipate using new components for the very first time in each of these 2 new Xi3 Modular Computers, such as USB 3.0 connectors and Mini Display Port connectors (among others).

So . . . "are there risks and challenges that come with completing our project?" Of course.

But given that we have proven that it's possible to design, build and ship the very first Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342), our confidence level is quite high that we will be successful in creating the X7A and X3A Modular Computers as well.

Both the X7A Modular Computer and the X3A Modular Computer use 64-bit, x86-based processors. This means that any x86-based OS will run on the X7A and X3A, including (but not limited to) Windows 8 (and lower), Linux & UNIX variants, and more.

Rewards

You selected

$3 reward

58 backers

Become part of the Xi3 Modular Computer Revolution. You’ll be listed on our Fan Appreciation Page. You’ll also be signed up for our new monthly eNewsletter—Powered by X—as we set out to change the world.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$33 reward

5 backers

Receive a "Power of X" t-shirt autographed in permanent marker by Xi3 Founder and CEO, Jason Sullivan. Available in sizes ranging from adult small to XXL. You’ll also be listed on our Fan Appreciation Page and begin receiving copies of our new monthly eNewsletter: Powered by X.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$103 reward

1 backer

Receive an Xi3-logoed NIKEGOLF® DRI-FIT® baseball cap. One size fits most. Also receive a "Power of X" t-shirt autographed in permanent marker by Xi3 Founder and CEO, Jason Sullivan. Available in sizes ranging from adult small to XXL. You’ll also receive our eNewsletter—Powered by X—and you’ll be listed on our Fan Appreciation Page.

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$153 reward

1 backer
Limited (249 left of 250)

Reseller Special! For computer resellers pledging $153 or more we will ship a mechanical sample of our current X5A product to show to potential customers. This product is non-operational but shows off the amazing size and specs of the Xi3 Modular Computer. Start building your business around current and future Xi3 products!

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$499 reward

4 backers
Limited (496 left of 500)

Get an Xi3 Modular Computer today! For Kickstarter supporters pledging $499 or more, we are offering our current Xi3 Modular Computer (Model X5A-5342). This machine comes pre-loaded with openSUSE Linux v11.4 on 16GB of solid-state storage, (upgradeable up to 128GB if you so choose) and delivered within two weeks of the close of this Kickstarter campaign. Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 1 week prior to General Availability. We promise you will be amazed with what this tiny little box can do.
Upgrade to 32G SSD- Add $50
Upgrade to 64G SSD- Add $110
Upgrade to 128G SSD- Add $200
(Please add an additional $75 for international shipments. VAT or other importation fees may apply based on the country)

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$503 reward

9 backers

People who support us at this Pledge Level will receive one X3A Xi3 Modular Computer 1 week prior to General Availability. This machine will come pre-loaded with a Linux operating system on 32GB of solid-state storage (upgradeable to Windows 8 and up to 1TB of SSD storage). Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 1 week prior to General Availability. (Please add an additional $75 for international shipments. VAT or other importation fees may apply based on the country.)

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

You selected

$603 reward

1 backer

People who support us at this Pledge Level will receive one X3A Xi3 Modular Computer 1 week prior to General Availability. This machine will come pre-loaded with a Windows 7 Home or Windows 8 Home (your choice) on 32GB of solid-state storage (upgradeable to up to 1TB of SSD storage). Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 1 week prior to General Availability. (Please add an additional $75 for international shipments. VAT or other importation fees may apply based on the country)

Estimated delivery:Jan 2013

You selected

$659 reward

5 backers
Limited (495 left of 500)

Get an Xi3 Modular Computer today! For Kickstarter supporters pledging $659 or more, we are offering our current Xi3 Modular Computer (Model X5A-5342). This machine comes pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home on 32GB of solid-state storage, (upgradeable up to 128GB if you so choose) and delivered within two weeks of the close of this Kickstarter campaign. Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 1 week prior to General Availability. We promise you will be amazed with what this tiny little box can do.
Upgrade to 64G SSD- Add $60
Upgrade to 128G SSD- Add $150
(Please add an additional $75 for international shipments. VAT or other importation fees may apply based on the country)

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$1,003 reward

2 backers

People who support us at this Pledge Level will receive one X7A Xi3 Modular Computer (and any future Xi3 product) 1 week prior to General Availability. This machine will come pre-loaded with a Linux operating system on 64GB of solid-state storage (upgradeable to Windows 7/8 and up to 1TB of SSD storage). {NOTE: Pre-orders of future Xi3 products must be placed directly with Xi3.} Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 1 week prior to General Availability. (Please add an additional $75 for international shipments. VAT or other importation fees may apply based on the country)

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$1,103 reward

19 backers

People who support us at this Pledge Level will receive one X7A Xi3 Modular Computer (and any future Xi3 product) 1 week prior to General Availability. This machine will come pre-loaded with Windows 7 Professional on 64GB of super-fast 12Gbps solid-state storage (upgradeable to Windows 8 and up to 1TB of SSD storage). {NOTE: Pre-orders of future Xi3 products must be placed directly with Xi3.} Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 1 week prior to General Availability. (Please add an additional $75 for international shipments. VAT or other importation fees may apply based on the country)

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$5,003 reward

2 backers

People who support us at this Pledge Level will receive one X7A Xi3 Modular Computer housed in a special chassis coated in silver with delivery 2 weeks prior to General Availability. This machine will come pre-loaded with Windows 7 Professional on 256GB 12Gbps of solid-state storage (upgradeable to Windows 8 and up to 1TB of SSD storage). Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 2 weeks prior to General Availability. Backers will also be invited to attend a private Gala Dinner in Salt Lake City hosted by Jason Sullivan, Xi3 Founder and CEO including round-trip airfare from anywhere in the Continental U.S. to Salt Lake City and one-night stay hotel accommodations. Also includes benefits of the $103 Pledge level.

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$9,993 reward

2 backers

People who support us at this Pledge Level will receive one X7A Xi3 Modular Computer housed in a special chassis coated in gold or platinum (your choice) with delivery 2 weeks prior to General Availability. This machine will come pre-loaded with Windows 7 Professional on 512GB of 12Gbps solid-state storage (upgradeable to Windows 8 and up to 1TB of SSD storage). Participants at this Pledge Level also gain the right to pre-order all future Xi3 products for delivery 2 weeks prior to General Availability. Backers at this level will also receive round-trip airfare from anywhere in the Continental U.S. to Salt Lake City (and two-night stay hotel accommodations in SLC) to attend Xi3’s next product unveiling event. Backers will also be invited to attend a private Gala Dinner in Salt Lake City hosted by Jason Sullivan, Xi3 Founder and CEO. Also includes benefits of the $103 Pledge level.

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

Funding period

Sep 28, 2012 - Oct 28, 2012
(30 days)

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